The Easiest Way to Get Copper (NYM $/lbs) Front Month (HG1) Historical Rates via API Access

In today's fast-paced digital economy, accessing real-time and historical data for commodities like copper is crucial for developers, traders, and analysts alike. The Metals-API provides a robust solution for retrieving copper prices and other metal rates through its comprehensive API. This blog post will guide you through the process of obtaining historical prices for copper (symbol: XCU) using the Metals-API, detailing the various endpoints, parameters, and data formats available.

Metals-API Information

The Metals-API is designed to empower developers with real-time and historical data on various metals, including copper. With the rise of digital transformation in metal markets, the need for accurate and timely data has never been more critical. The API not only provides access to current rates but also historical data dating back to 2019, allowing for in-depth analysis and insights.

About Copper (XCU)

Copper is a vital industrial metal, widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various other applications. As the world moves towards technological innovation and advancement, the demand for copper continues to grow. The integration of smart technologies and data analytics in the metal markets is transforming how traders and investors approach copper trading. By leveraging the Metals-API, developers can create applications that provide real-time insights and predictive analytics, enhancing decision-making processes.

API Description

The Metals-API offers a wide range of capabilities that enable developers to build next-generation applications. With endpoints for retrieving the latest rates, historical data, and even bid/ask prices, the API is a powerful tool for anyone involved in the metals market. The API's ability to deliver data in real-time allows for immediate insights, making it an essential resource for traders and analysts.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Metals-API Documentation, which provides comprehensive guidance on how to utilize the API effectively.

Key Features and Endpoints

The Metals-API includes several key endpoints that cater to various needs:

Latest Rates Endpoint: This endpoint provides real-time exchange rate data for metals, updated every 60 minutes or more frequently, depending on your subscription plan. For example, a request to this endpoint will return the current price of copper along with other metals.
Historical Rates Endpoint: Users can access historical rates for copper and other metals by appending a specific date to the endpoint. This feature is invaluable for analyzing price trends over time.
Bid And Ask Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to retrieve real-time bid and ask prices for metals, providing insights into market liquidity and pricing.
Convert Endpoint: The API includes a currency conversion feature, enabling users to convert amounts between different metals or to/from USD.
Time-Series Endpoint: This endpoint allows users to query daily historical rates between two specified dates, making it easier to analyze price movements over time.
Fluctuation Endpoint: Users can track how copper prices fluctuate between two dates, providing insights into market volatility.
Open/High/Low/Close (OHLC) Price Endpoint: This endpoint provides detailed OHLC data for copper, allowing for comprehensive market analysis.
Lowest/Highest Price Endpoint: Users can query the API to get the lowest and highest prices for copper over a specified period.
Historical LME Endpoint: This endpoint provides access to historical rates for LME symbols, including copper, dating back to 2008.
API Key: Access to the API requires an API key, which is passed into the base URL's access_key parameter.
API Response: The API returns exchange rates relative to USD by default, with all data delivered in a structured JSON format.
Supported Symbols Endpoint: This endpoint provides a constantly updated list of all available metal symbols, including copper.
News Endpoint: Users can retrieve the latest news articles related to various metals, keeping them informed about market trends.

List of Symbols

The Metals-API provides access to a comprehensive range of metal symbols. For a complete list of all supported symbols and their specifications, refer to the Metals-API Supported Symbols page.

API Endpoint Examples and Responses

To illustrate how to use the Metals-API effectively, here are examples of various endpoints and their corresponding JSON responses:

Latest Rates Endpoint

Get real-time exchange rates for all available metals:

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1767802064,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-07",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912,
"XPD": 0.000744,
"XCU": 0.294118,
"XAL": 0.434783,
"XNI": 0.142857,
"XZN": 0.344828
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Historical Rates Endpoint

Access historical exchange rates for any date since 1999:

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1767715664,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-06",
"rates": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915,
"XPD": 0.000748
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Time-series Endpoint

Get exchange rates for a specific time period:

{
"success": true,
"timeseries": true,
"start_date": "2025-12-31",
"end_date": "2026-01-07",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"2025-12-31": {
"XAU": 0.000485,
"XAG": 0.03825,
"XPT": 0.000915
},
"2026-01-02": {
"XAU": 0.000483,
"XAG": 0.0382,
"XPT": 0.000913
},
"2026-01-07": {
"XAU": 0.000482,
"XAG": 0.03815,
"XPT": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Convert Endpoint

Convert any amount from one metal to another or to/from USD:

{
"success": true,
"query": {
"from": "USD",
"to": "XAU",
"amount": 1000
},
"info": {
"timestamp": 1767802064,
"rate": 0.000482
},
"result": 0.482,
"unit": "troy ounces"
}

Fluctuation Endpoint

Track rate fluctuations between two dates:

{
"success": true,
"fluctuation": true,
"start_date": "2025-12-31",
"end_date": "2026-01-07",
"base": "USD",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"start_rate": 0.000485,
"end_rate": 0.000482,
"change": -3.0e-6,
"change_pct": -0.62
},
"XAG": {
"start_rate": 0.03825,
"end_rate": 0.03815,
"change": -0.0001,
"change_pct": -0.26
},
"XPT": {
"start_rate": 0.000915,
"end_rate": 0.000912,
"change": -3.0e-6,
"change_pct": -0.33
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

OHLC (Open/High/Low/Close) Price Endpoint

Get OHLC data for a specific time period:

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1767802064,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-07",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"open": 0.000485,
"high": 0.000487,
"low": 0.000481,
"close": 0.000482
},
"XAG": {
"open": 0.03825,
"high": 0.0383,
"low": 0.0381,
"close": 0.03815
},
"XPT": {
"open": 0.000915,
"high": 0.000918,
"low": 0.00091,
"close": 0.000912
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Bid/Ask Endpoint

Get current bid and ask prices for metals:

{
"success": true,
"timestamp": 1767802064,
"base": "USD",
"date": "2026-01-07",
"rates": {
"XAU": {
"bid": 0.000481,
"ask": 0.000483,
"spread": 2.0e-6
},
"XAG": {
"bid": 0.0381,
"ask": 0.0382,
"spread": 0.0001
},
"XPT": {
"bid": 0.000911,
"ask": 0.000913,
"spread": 2.0e-6
}
},
"unit": "per troy ounce"
}

Conclusion

Accessing historical prices for copper through the Metals-API is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your trading and analytical capabilities. By utilizing the various endpoints available, developers can create applications that provide real-time insights, historical analysis, and predictive analytics. The API's robust features, including the latest rates, historical data, and fluctuation tracking, empower users to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving metals market.

For further exploration, consider diving into the Metals-API Documentation for detailed guidance on implementation and usage. Additionally, the Metals-API Supported Symbols page will provide you with a comprehensive list of available metals, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

As the market continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and utilizing advanced data analytics will be key to success. The Metals-API is not just a tool; it is a gateway to understanding the complexities of the metals market and leveraging that knowledge for strategic advantage.

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The Easiest Way to Get Copper (NYM $/lbs) Front Month (HG1) Historical Rates via API Access